Fastenal Company recently announced a multi-year, global partership with the National Hockey League (NHL). Fastenal, the largest fastener distributor in North America, will be the official Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) partner of the NHL through the 2023-24 season.
The NHL will use Fastenal’s vast and secure supplier network to provide a variety of MRO supply needs.
This partnership is focused on creating an efficient and reliable MRO supply chain for ice rinks across North America. MRO encompasses the wide-ranging products and services needed to keep facilities up and running.
In hockey, this includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing products used to maintain rinks, sanitation and janitorial supplies required to keep facilities clean and safe, and power tools and accessories used by players and equipment managers to prep gear for game play.
“As we discussed a possible partnership with the NHL, it became clear the supply-chain strengths of Fastenal, coupled with our steadfast commitment to providing safety solutions during this current environment, could make a positive impact on the League and on hockey facilities throughout North America,” said Fastenal president and CEO Dan Florness.
The agreement provides Fastenal a presence at future NHL tentpole events, including corner in-ice advertising positions and in-arena branding at the NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Global Series and NHL Stadium Series.
Fastenal will also offer products used to maintain safe environments — including PPE (personal protective equipment), sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fastenal to the NHL family. Our facility operators, equipment managers and trainers can immediately benefit from Fastenal’s wide assortment of MRO products for all their specialized needs,” said Max Paulsen, NHL director, Business Development.
The NHL will also leverage Fastenal’s inventory management and procurement expertise to benefit the entire hockey ecosystem including:
NHL clubs and facilities — The NHL and Fastenal will work together to implement a standardized equipment program that includes state-of-the-art tool carts for visiting team locker rooms at all NHL arenas. The partnership will also focus on helping these venues optimize operations by accessing process improvement tools to simplify procurement, control spending, and visualize inventory.
Community rinks — In an effort to keep ice hockey sustainable and rink operations cost-effective, the partnership taps Fastenal’s nationwide branch network to offer services to the 4,800-plus community rinks across North America. Fastenal can help these facilities navigate the challenges of aging infrastructure and rising operating costs so that community rinks can continue to operate efficiently while developing future generations of players and fans.
“This partnership reinforces the League’s commitment to community rinks via Fastenal’s industry-leading expertise, product inventory, and competitive preferred pricing, which will ultimately ensure the continued growth of hockey at all levels,” said Paulsen.
Florness added: “We’re excited to connect with the NHL’s avid fan base, and to deepen our connection with a sport that is already loved by many of our employees and customers.”
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